Weightlifting Rack Assembly and Wall Mount Bracket for a Weightlifting Rack Assembly

ABSTRACT

A weightlifting assembly includes a wall mount bracket configured for mounting to a wall surface and a weightlifting rack assembly connected to the wall mount bracket. The weightlifting rack assembly may have various configurations, including a foldable weight rack assembly, a pull-up bar, a fixed weightlifting rack, a wall-mount weightlifting rack, or various other configurations. The wall mount bracket may be elongated along a lateral width thereof and may have a first mounting region and a second mounting region spaced from each other along the lateral width the wall mount bracket. The wall mount bracket may also include a central panel that is spaced from the wall surface to provide clearance for fasteners for connection to the weightlifting rack assembly, and in some embodiments, the weightlifting rack assembly may be connected to multiple wall mount panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/695,424, filed Jul. 9, 2018, and this application is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/043,805,filed Jul. 24, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/801,638, filed Nov. 2, 2017, all of which prior applicationsare incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to a weightlifting equipment, and moreparticularly, to weightlifting racks and to structures for couplingweightlifting racks to a wall surface.

2. Background Art

A staple of any gym is a weightlifting rack assembly. The weightliftingrack assembly is used to support weights for many weightliftingexercises, such as, for example, squatting, pressing, among others.Additionally, weightlifting rack assemblies can be used for body weightexercises, including, for example, chin-ups, pull-ups and the like.Further, additional structures can be coupled thereto for storage, andfor the performance of yet further exercises.

Increasingly, athletes are converting living spaces or, for example,garage spaces into home gyms. To increase versatility, a number offoldable or collapsible weightlifting rack assemblies have beendeveloped. Typically, these foldable or collapsible assemblies areattached to a wall surface (such as a garage wall). They can be foldedor collapsed to permit the use of the garage, to, for example, store avehicle, when the assemblies are not in use. That is, they can be foldedto be quite flush with the wall surface to which they are attached.

Problematically, however, to properly secure the assembly to the wallsurface, it is often necessary to secure studs to the wall surface tospan between the vertical wall studs. Problematically, the use ofadditional studs on the wall surface increases the footprint of theassembly, which is problematic when space is at a premium. Additionally,where it is desirable to couple the assembly to vertical studs directly,there is often a limitation as to the placement of the assembly. And,often, the wall studs are too narrow to be used to support the assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed, in one aspect to a foldable weightliftingrack assembly mountable to a wall surface. The assembly includes anupper wall mount bracket, a lower wall mount bracket, a first side rackassembly and a second side rack assembly. The upper wall mount brackethas a central panel, a top wall mount panel and a bottom wall mountpanel. The top wall mount panel and the bottom wall mount panel aresubstantially planar and offset from the central panel. The top wallmount panel and the bottom mount panel are positionable to overlie awall surface, and including at least one slot extending therethroughconfigured to receive a fastener therethrough to, in turn, couple theupper wall mount bracket to the wall surface. The lower wall mountbracket has a central panel, a top wall mount panel and a bottom wallmount panel. The top wall mount panel and the bottom wall mount panelare substantially planar and offset from the central panel. The top wallmount panel and the bottom mount panel are positionable to overlie awall surface, and including at least one slot extending therethroughconfigured to receive a fastener therethrough to, in turn, couple theupper wall mount bracket to the wall surface.

The first side rack assembly has a main bar with an upper end and alower end. An upper cross bar is proximate the upper end, and a lowercross bar is proximate the lower end. The upper cross bar is pivotablycoupled to the upper wall mount bracket proximate a first end thereof.The lower cross bar is pivotably coupled to the lower wall mount bracketproximate a first end thereof.

The second side rack assembly has a main bar with an upper end and alower end, an upper cross bar proximate the upper end and a lower crossbar proximate the lower end. The upper cross bar is pivotably coupled tothe upper wall mount bracket proximate a second end thereof. The lowercross bar is pivotably coupled to the lower wall mount bracket proximatea second end thereof.

In some configurations, the main bar of the first side rack issubstantially parallel to the central panel of the upper wall mount andsubstantially parallel to the central panel of the of the lower wallmount.

In some configurations, the upper wall mount bracket further includes afirst offset panel extending between the top wall mount panel and thecentral panel. The first offset panel is oblique to each of the top wallmount panel and the central panel.

In some configurations, the upper wall mount bracket further includes asecond offset panel extending between the central panel and the lowerwall mount panel. The second offset panel is oblique to each of thecentral panel and the bottom wall mount panel.

In some configurations, the central panel of the upper wall mountbracket further includes a first side mounting region proximate thefirst end and a second side mounting region proximate the second end.The assembly further includes a first side upper rack pivot bracket anda second side upper rack pivot bracket. The first side upper rack pivotbracket coupled to the first side mounting region. The first side upperrack pivot bracket comprises a base with an upper pivot wall and a lowerpivot wall, with the upper cross bar of the first side rack beingpivotably coupled to the upper and lower pivot walls of the first sideupper rack pivot bracket. The second side upper rack pivot bracket iscoupled to the second side mounting region. The second side upper rackpivot bracket comprises a base with an upper pivot wall and a lowerpivot wall, with the upper cross bar of the second side rack beingpivotably coupled to the upper and lower pivot walls of the second sideupper rack pivot bracket.

In some configurations, the base of the first side upper rack pivotbracket is coupled to the central panel of the upper wall mount bracketby a fastener. The base of the second side upper rack pivot bracket iscoupled to the central panel of the upper wall mount bracket by a secondfastener. A portion of each of the first and second fastener extendingbetween a plane defined by the central panel and a plane defined by thetop and bottom wall mount panels.

In some configurations, the lower wall mount bracket further includes afirst offset panel extending between the top wall mount panel and thecentral panel, the first offset panel being oblique to each of the topwall mount panel and the central panel.

In some configurations, the lower wall mount bracket further includes asecond offset panel extending between the central panel and the lowerwall mount panel. The second offset panel is oblique to each of thecentral panel and the bottom wall mount panel.

In some configurations, the central panel of the lower wall mountbracket further includes a first side mounting region proximate thefirst end and a second side mounting region proximate the second end.The assembly further comprises a first side lower rack pivot bracket anda second side lower rack pivot bracket. The first side lower rack pivotbracket is coupled to the first side mounting region. The first sidelower rack pivot bracket comprises a base with an upper pivot wall and alower pivot wall, with the upper cross bar of the first side rack beingpivotably coupled to the upper and lower pivot walls of the first sideupper rack pivot bracket. The second side lower rack pivot bracket iscoupled to the second side mounting region. The second side lower rackpivot bracket comprises a base with an upper pivot wall and a lowerpivot wall, with the upper cross bar of the second side rack beingpivotably coupled to the upper and lower pivot walls of the second sideupper rack pivot bracket.

In some configurations, the base of the first side lower rack pivotbracket is coupled to the central panel of the upper wall mount bracketby a fastener. The base of the second side lower rack pivot bracket iscoupled to the central panel of the upper wall mount bracket by a secondfastener. A portion of each of the first and second fastener extendingbetween a plane defined by the central panel and a plane defined by thetop and bottom wall mount panels.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to anupper rack mount assembly configured for use in association with afoldable weightlifting rack assembly. The upper rack mount assemblycomprises a upper wall mounting bracket, a first side upper rack pivotbracket and a second side upper rack pivot bracket. The upper wall mountbracket haw a central panel, a top wall mount panel and a bottom wallmount panel. The top wall mount panel and the bottom wall mount panelare substantially planar and offset from the central panel. The top wallmount panel and the bottom mount panel are positionable to overlie awall surface, and include at least one slot extending therethroughconfigured to receive a fastener therethrough to, in turn, couple theupper wall mount bracket to the wall surface. The central panel has afirst side mounting region proximate the first end and a second sidemounting region proximate the second end.

The first side upper rack pivot bracket is coupled to the first sidemounting region. The first side upper rack pivot bracket comprises abase with an upper pivot wall and a lower pivot wall, with the uppercross bar of the first side rack being pivotably coupled to the upperand lower pivot walls of the first side upper rack pivot bracket. Thesecond side upper rack pivot bracket is coupled to the second sidemounting region. The second side upper rack pivot bracket comprises abase with an upper pivot wall and a lower pivot wall, with the uppercross bar of the second side rack being pivotably coupled to the upperand lower pivot walls of the second side upper rack pivot bracket.

In some configurations, the base of the first side upper rack pivotbracket is coupled to the central panel of the upper wall mount bracketby a fastener. The base of the second side upper rack pivot bracket iscoupled to the central panel of the upper wall mount bracket by a secondfastener. A portion of each of the first and second fastener extendbetween a plane defined by the central panel and a plane defined by thetop and bottom wall mount panels.

In some configurations, the plane defined by the central panel issubstantially parallel with the plane defined by the top and bottom wallmount panels.

In some configurations, the top and bottom wall mount panels each have aplurality of slots between the first and second end thereof.

In some configurations, the upper wall mount bracket further includes asecond offset panel extending between the central panel and the lowerwall mount panel. The second offset panel being oblique to each of thecentral panel and the bottom wall mount panel.

In some configurations, the assembly further includes a first sidehandle opening positioned proximate the first side mounting region and asecond side handle opening positioned proximate the second side mountingregion.

In some configurations, the central panel, the top wall mount panel, thebottom wall mount panel, the first offset panel and the second offsetpanel each define a thickness that is substantially equal.

In some configurations, the first side upper rack pivot bracket and thesecond side upper rack pivot bracket are substantially identical.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed toan upper wall mount bracket configured for use with a foldableweightlifting rack assembly. The upper wall mount bracket comprising acentral panel, a top wall mount panel and a bottom wall mount panel. Thetop wall mount panel and the bottom wall mount panel being substantiallyplanar and offset from the central panel. The top wall mount panel andthe bottom mount panel being positionable to overlie a wall surface, andincluding at least one slot extending therethrough configured to receivea fastener therethrough to, in turn, couple the upper wall mount bracketto the wall surface. The central panel having a first side mountingregion proximate the first end and a second side mounting regionproximate the second end.

In some configurations, the upper wall mount bracket further includes afirst offset panel extending between the top wall mount panel and thecentral panel. The first offset panel is oblique to each of the top wallmount panel and the central panel. Additionally, the upper wall mountbracket includes a second offset panel extending between the centralpanel and the lower wall mount panel. The second offset panel is obliqueto each of the central panel and the bottom wall mount panel.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a weightlifting assembly thatincludes a wall mount bracket configured for mounting to a wall surfaceand a weightlifting rack assembly connected to the wall mount bracket.The weightlifting rack assembly may have various configurations. In someconfigurations, the wall mount bracket is elongated along a lateralwidth thereof and has a first mounting region and a second mountingregion spaced from each other along the lateral width the wall mountbracket.

In some aspects, the weightlifting rack assembly includes a first sidemount bracket having a first base connected to the first mounting regionof the wall mount bracket, a first support arm extending outward fromthe first base, and a first receiver connected to the first support arm,a second side mount bracket having a second base connected to the secondmounting region of the wall mount bracket, a second support armextending outward from the second base, and a second receiver connectedto the second support arm, and a bar connected to the first side mountbracket and the second side mount bracket and extending between thefirst and second side mount brackets in a direction along the lateralwidth of the wall mount bracket. In this configuration, the bar isreceived in the first and second receivers to connect the bar to thefirst and second side mount brackets, and the wall mount bracket isconfigured to suspend the weightlifting rack assembly above a groundsurface, such that the weightlifting rack assembly does not engage theground surface. The weightlifting rack assembly in this configurationmay be suited for use as a pull-up bar.

According to one aspect, the first support arm extends outwardly anddownwardly from the first base, and the second support arm extendsoutwardly and downwardly from the second base. In one aspect, the firstsupport arm has a first distal end that extends below a lowermost pointof the wall mount bracket, and the second support arm has a seconddistal end that extends below the lowermost point of the wall mountbracket. In this configuration, the first receiver may be positioned onthe first distal end of the first support arm, and the second receivermay be positioned on the second distal end of the second support arm. Ina further aspect, the first receiver is positioned on an inner surfaceof the first support arm that faces the second support arm and has anopening facing the second support arm, and the second receiver ispositioned on an inner surface of the second support arm that faces thefirst support arm and has an opening facing the first support arm.

According to another aspect, the bar has a circular shape and the firstand second receivers have circular openings, and wherein the bar has afirst end received in the first receiver and a second end received inthe second receiver.

According to a further aspect, the first side mount bracket furtherincludes a first brace extending rearward from the first support arm andengaging the wall mount bracket to support the first support arm, andthe second side mount bracket further includes a second brace extendingrearward from the second support arm and engaging the wall mount bracketto support the second support arm. In one aspect, the first brace isfixedly connected to the first support arm and has a first free endabutting the wall mount bracket, and the second brace is fixedlyconnected to the second support arm and has a second free end abuttingthe wall mount bracket. In another aspect, the first base, the firstsupport arm, and the first brace are formed of a first single, integralpiece, and wherein the second base, the second support arm, and thesecond brace are formed of a second single, integral piece.

According to yet another aspect, the first base and the first supportarm are formed of a first single, integral piece having a first bendforming a first juncture between the first base and the first supportarm, and wherein the second base and the second support arm are formedof a second single, integral piece having a second bend forming a secondjuncture between the second base and the second support arm.

In other aspects, the weightlifting rack assembly includes a first sidemount bracket having a first base connected to the wall mount bracket ata first location and a first support arm extending outward from thefirst base and a second side mount bracket having a second baseconnected to the wall mount bracket at a second location laterallyspaced from the first location and a second support arm extendingoutward from the second base, and a bar connected to the first supportarm of the first side mount bracket and connected to the second supportarm of the second side mount bracket and extending between the first andsecond side mount brackets in the lateral direction. The first base andthe first support arm are formed of a first single, integral piecehaving a first bend forming a first juncture between the first base andthe first support arm, and the second base and the second support armare formed of a second single, integral piece having a second bendforming a second juncture between the second base and the second supportarm. The wall mount bracket is configured to suspend the weightliftingrack assembly above a ground surface, such that the weightlifting rackassembly does not engage the ground surface. The weightlifting rackassembly in this configuration may be suited for use as a pull-up bar.

According to one aspect, the first side mount bracket further includes afirst receiver connected to the first support arm, and the second sidemount bracket further includes a second receiver connected to the secondsupport arm, and the bar is received in the first and second receiversto connect the bar to the first and second side mount brackets. In oneconfiguration, the first receiver and the second receiver are formed byseparate pieces connected to the first and second support arms,respectively.

According to another aspect, the first side mount bracket furtherincludes a first brace extending rearward from the first support arm andengaging the wall mount bracket to support the first support arm, andthe second side mount bracket further includes a second brace extendingrearward from the second support arm and engaging the wall mount bracketto support the second support arm. In one aspect, the first brace isfixedly connected to the first support arm and has a first free endabutting the wall mount bracket, and the second brace is fixedlyconnected to the second support arm and has a second free end abuttingthe wall mount bracket. In another aspect, the first brace is furtherformed as part of the first single, integral piece, and wherein thesecond brace is further formed as part of the second single, integralpiece.

According to a further aspect, the first support arm extends outwardlyand downwardly from the first base, and the second support arm extendsoutwardly and downwardly from the second base. In one aspect, the firstsupport arm has a first distal end that extends below a lowermost pointof the wall mount bracket, and the second support arm has a seconddistal end that extends below the lowermost point of the wall mountbracket.

In further aspects, the weightlifting rack assembly is a fixedweightlifting rack assembly that includes a first side rack assembly, asecond side rack assembly, and a cross-member connected to the firstside rack assembly and the second side rack assembly and extending alongthe lateral width of the wall mount bracket between the first and secondside rack assemblies. The first side rack assembly includes a first sidemount bracket connected to the first mounting region of the wall mountbracket, a first beam connected to the first side mount bracket andextending outward from the first side mount bracket in a first directionconfigured to be perpendicular to the wall surface, and a first verticalframe member connected to the first beam and configured to engage aground surface. The second side rack assembly includes a second sidemount bracket connected to the second mounting region of the centralpanel, a second beam connected to the second side mount bracket andextending outward from the second side mount bracket in the firstdirection, and a second vertical frame member connected to the secondbeam and configured to engage the ground surface, such that the firstand second vertical frame members are spaced outwardly from the wallmount bracket.

According to one aspect, the first side rack assembly further includes athird beam connected to the first side mount bracket and extendingoutward from the first side mount bracket in the first direction, wherethe third beam is connected to the first vertical frame member andlocated below the first beam, and the second side rack assembly furtherincludes a fourth beam connected to the second side mount bracket andextending outward from the second side mount bracket in the firstdirection, where the fourth beam is connected to the second verticalframe member and located below the second beam. In one aspect, the firstside mount bracket has a first opening and a third opening spacedvertically from each other and receiving ends of the first and thirdbeams, respectively, and the second side mount bracket has a secondopening and a fourth opening spaced vertically from each other andreceiving ends of the second and fourth beams, respectively. In anotheraspect, the first side rack assembly further has a first verticalsupport extending vertically between the first and third beams at alocation between the wall mount bracket and the first vertical framemember, and the second side rack assembly further has a second verticalsupport extending vertically between the second and fourth beams at alocation between the wall mount bracket and the second vertical framemember. In a further aspect, no additional supporting structure isconnected to the first vertical frame member or the second verticalframe member and configured to be positioned between the first andsecond vertical frame members and the wall surface.

According to another aspect, the first side mount bracket is verticallyelongated and is connected to the wall mount bracket by a plurality offirst fasteners aligned vertically with each other along the first sidemount bracket, and the second side mount bracket is vertically elongatedand is connected to the wall mount bracket by a plurality of secondfasteners aligned vertically with each other along the second side mountbracket. In one aspect, the first side rack assembly further includes athird beam connected to the first side mount bracket and extendingoutward from the first side mount bracket in the first direction toconnect to the first vertical frame member, and the second side rackassembly further includes a fourth beam connected to the second sidemount bracket and extending outward from the second side mount bracketin the first direction to connect to the second vertical frame member.In this configuration, the third beam is located below the first beam,such that the first beam, the third beam, and the first plurality offasteners are all aligned vertically with each other along the firstside mount bracket, and the fourth beam is located below the secondbeam, such that the second beam, the fourth beam, and the secondplurality of fasteners are all aligned vertically with each other alongthe second side mount bracket.

In still further aspects, the weightlifting rack assembly is a fixedweightlifting rack assembly that includes a first side rack assembly, asecond side rack assembly, and a cross-member connected to the firstside rack assembly and the second side rack assembly and extendinglaterally between the first and second side rack assemblies. The firstside rack assembly includes a first side mount bracket connected to thewall mount bracket, a first beam and a third beam each having a proximalend connected to the first side mount bracket and extending outward fromthe first side mount bracket in the first direction, where the thirdbeam is located below the first beam and extends parallel to the firstbeam, and a first vertical frame member connected to distal ends of thefirst beam and the third beam and configured to engage a ground surface,where the first vertical frame member is spaced outwardly from the wallmount bracket. The second side rack assembly includes a second sidemount bracket connected to the wall mount bracket, a second beam and afourth beam each having a proximal end connected to the second sidemount bracket and extending outward from the second side mount bracketin the first direction, where the fourth beam is located below thesecond beam and extends parallel to the second beam, and a secondvertical frame member connected to distal ends of the second beam andthe fourth beam and configured to engage the ground surface, where thesecond vertical frame member is spaced outwardly from the wall mountbracket.

According to one aspect, the first side mount bracket has a firstopening and a third opening spaced vertically from each other andreceiving the proximal ends of the first and third beams, respectively,and the second side mount bracket has a second opening and a fourthopening spaced vertically from each other and receiving the proximalends of the second and fourth beams, respectively.

According to another aspect, no additional supporting structure isconnected to the first vertical frame member or the second verticalframe member and configured to be positioned between the first andsecond vertical frame members and the wall surface.

According to a further aspect, the first side mount bracket isvertically elongated and is connected to the wall mount bracket by aplurality of first fasteners aligned vertically with each other alongthe first side mount bracket, and the second side mount bracket isvertically elongated and is connected to the wall mount bracket by aplurality of second fasteners aligned vertically with each other alongthe second side mount bracket. In one aspect, the first plurality offasteners are all aligned vertically with each other along the firstside mount bracket, and wherein the second beam, the fourth beam, andthe second plurality of fasteners are all aligned vertically with eachother along the second side mount bracket.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the attacheddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of one embodiment of aweightlifting rack assembly according to aspects of the presentdisclosure in the form of a foldable weightlifting rack assembly;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a front elevation view of the weightliftingrack assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a partial perspective view of theweightlifting rack assembly of FIG. 1, showing, in particular, an upperrack mount assembly;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a perspective view of the upper rack mountassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is perspective view of an upper wall mountbracket of the upper rack mount assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a front elevation view of the upper wall mountbracket of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a side elevation view of the upper wall mountbracket of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 of the drawings is a partial perspective view of theweightlifting rack assembly of FIG. 1, showing, in particular, a lowerrack mount assembly;

FIG. 9 of the drawings is a perspective view of a lower wall mountbracket of the lower rack mount assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 of the drawings is a perspective view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 1 in a folded position;

FIG. 11 of the drawings is a top view of the weightlifting rack assemblyof FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 of the drawings is a left side view of the upper rack mountassembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 of the drawings is a right side view of the upper rack mountassembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 of the drawings is a perspective view of another embodiment of aweightlifting rack assembly according to aspects of the presentdisclosure, in the form of a wall-mounted pull-up bar;

FIG. 15 of the drawings is a front view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 of the drawings is a right side view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 of the drawings is a left side view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 of the drawings is a top view of the weightlifting rack assemblyof FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 of the drawings is a bottom view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 of the drawings is a perspective view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 14 mounted on a wall surface shown in broken lines;

FIG. 21 of the drawings is a perspective view of another embodiment of aweightlifting rack assembly according to aspects of the presentdisclosure, in the form of a fixed weightlifting rack mounted on a wallsurface shown in broken lines;

FIG. 22 of the drawings is a left side view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 of the drawings is a perspective view of another embodiment of aweightlifting rack assembly according to aspects of the presentdisclosure, in the form of a wall-mount weightlifting rack mounted on awall surface;

FIG. 24 of the drawings is a partial side view of the weightlifting rackassembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 of the drawings is a partial perspective view of theweightlifting rack assembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 of the drawings is a perspective view of an upper rack mountassembly of the weightlifting rack assembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 of the drawings is a perspective view of an upper wall mountbracket of the upper rack mount assembly of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 of the drawings is a perspective view of the upper wall mountbracket of FIG. 27; and

FIG. 29 of the drawings is a perspective view of the upper wall mountbracket of FIG. 5 with an accessory according to aspects of the presentdisclosure, in the form of a hook connected to the upper wall mountbracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail aspecific embodiment(s) with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intendedto be limited to the embodiment(s) illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components,referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by likereference characters. In addition, it will be understood that thedrawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and someof the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposesof pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, afoldable weightlifting rack assembly 10 is shown configured for mountingon a wall surface 700. The weightlifting rack 10 comprises an upper rackmount assembly 12, lower rack mount assembly 14, first side rackassembly 16, second side rack assembly 18, and cross bar assembly 19.With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the cross bar assembly 19 couples thefirst side rack assembly 16 and second side rack assembly 18. Removal ofthe cross bar assembly 19, as well as the pin members that are extendedtherethrough, allows rotational movement of the first side rack assembly16 and second side rack assembly 18 to direct the first and second siderack assemblies between a folded and an articulated configuration. Thefolded configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, while thearticulated configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

Shown in FIGS. 4 through 7, the upper rack mount assembly 12 comprisesupper wall mount bracket 20, first side upper rack pivot bracket 50,second side upper rack pivot bracket 150, wall mount fasteners 80, pivotbracket mount fasteners 82, and pivot pins 84. The upper wall mountbracket 20 comprises a first side end 22, second side end 24, outersurface 26, inner surface 28, central panel 30, top wall mount panel 40,bottom wall mount panel 44, first offset panels 48, and second offsetpanels 49. Further, the top wall mount panel 40 and bottom wall mountpanel 44 define a plurality of slots 42, 46 extending substantiallythrough the outer surface 26 and inner surface 28. The central panel 30further comprises first side mounting region 32, second side mountingregion 34, first side handle openings 36 and second side handle openings38, with the first side mounting region 32 and second side mountingregion 34 both defining a plurality of openings 33, 35 extendingsubstantially through the outer surface 26 and inner surface 28. It iscontemplated that the upper wall mount bracket (as well as the lowerwall mount bracket) are formed from a single material, wherein thevarious panels have substantially the same thickness therethrough. Asused herein with respect to all embodiments, the “vertical” directionrefers to the direction that is parallel to the wall surface 700 andperpendicular to the ground, i.e., in the direction of spacing betweenthe upper and lower rack mount assemblies 12, 14; the “horizontal”direction refers to the direction that is parallel to the wall surface700 and parallel to the ground, i.e., in the direction of spacingbetween the first and second ends 24 of the upper wall mount bracket 20;and the “longitudinal” direction refers to the direction that isperpendicular to the wall surface 700 and parallel to the ground, i.e.,in the direction of spacing between the outer and inner surfaces 26, 28of the upper wall mount bracket 20.

The first end 22 and second end 24 are substantially opposite oneanother with the outer surface 26 and inner surface 28 extendingsubstantially between each end. The outer surface 26 and inner surfaceare substantially opposite one another in reference to the upper wallmount bracket 20 with the outer surface 26 facing substantially oppositethe inner surface 24. The first side mounting region 32 of the centralpanel is proximate to the first side end 22 and the second side mountingregion 34 of the central panel 30 is proximate to the second side end24. Openings 33 of the first side mounting region 32, in theconfiguration shown, are separated by a general amount of material alongthe central panel 30, being proximate to the first side end 22 generallymore than the first side handle opening 36. Openings 35 of the secondside mounting region 34, in the configuration shown, are separated by ageneral amount of material along the central panel 30, being proximateto the second side end 24 generally more than the second side handleopening 38. The first side handle opening 36 and the second side handleopening 38 extend generally through the outer surface 26 and innersurface 28 and are proximate to the central axis of the upper rack mountassembly 12. The first and second side handle openings 36, 38 in theembodiment of FIGS. 1-7 are located entirely within the central panel30, between the first and second side mounting regions 32, 34, andbetween the first and second offset panels 48, 49. It is to beunderstood the size of the openings 33, 35, the first side handleopening 36, and second side handle opening 38 as well as the distance ofseparation between them along the upper wall mount bracket 20 in theexemplary figure are variable and subject to change in contemplatedconfigurations of the design.

The central panel 30, top wall mount panel 40, and bottom wall mountpanel 44 extend from the first side end 22 to the second side end 24 andare parallel in reference to one another. In the configuration shown,the top wall mount panel 40 and bottom wall mount panel 44 aresubstantially coplanar in reference to one another such that a suitablyflat surface mated to the inner surface 28 of the top wall mount panel40 will be substantially mated to the inner surface 28 of the bottomwall mount panel 44. In the vertical plane, the central panel issubstantially between the top wall mount panel 40 and bottom wall panel44, with the bottom wall mount panel substantially beneath the centralpanel 30 and top wall mount panel 40. In the configuration shown, theplurality of slots 42 defined by the top wall mount panel 40 and theplurality of the slots 46 defined by the bottom wall mount panel 44extend from first end 22 towards second end 24. It is to be understoodthe number of slots 42, 46 and the sizing in reference to the horizontaland vertical distance are variable and subject to change in contemplatedconfigurations of the design.

The central panel 30 and top wall mount panel 40 are coupled through thefirst offset panel 48. In the configuration shown, the first offsetpanel 48 is oblique to each of the parallel surface of the central panel30 and top wall mount panel 40. It is to be understood the angle ofoffset of the first offset panel 48 may be of any suitable amount suchthat the central panel 30 and top wall mount panel 40 are separated withreference to the horizontal plane. The central panel 30 and bottom wallmount panel 44 are coupled through the second offset panel 49. In theconfiguration shown, the second offset panel 49 is oblique to each ofthe central panel 30 and bottom wall mount panel 44. The first andsecond offset panels 48, 49, as well as the junctures between the offsetpanels 48, 49 and the central panel 30 and the top and bottom wall mountpanels 40, 44, extend the entire width of the upper wall mount bracket20, i.e., between the first end 22 and the second end 24. It is to beunderstood in contemplated configurations of the design, the angle ofoffset of the second offset panel 49 may be of any suitable amount suchthat the central panel 30 and bottom wall mount panel 44 are separatedwith reference to the horizontal plane, including the central panel 30being moved in such a way that the top wall mount panel 40 and bottomwall mount panel 44 are switched in reference to the horizontal plane.The offset panels 48, 49 create an offset between the central panel 30and the top and bottom wall mount panels 40, 44, which defines a space39 between the central panel 30 and the wall surface 700. This space 39extends the entire distance between the ends 22, 24 in one embodiment.

The side handle openings 36, 38 of the wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS.1-7 may also be used for mounting of one or more accessories. Suchaccessories may be mounted using various mechanical engagementstructures for engaging one or more edges of the side handle openings36, 38, such as hooks, clamps, jaws, flanges, tabs, or other suchstructures, which may be fixed or moveable (e.g., lockable and/orreleasable). FIG. 29 illustrates one example of an accessory in the formof a hook accessory 856, which includes a mounting hook 857 at one endconfigured to receive a portion of the edge of the side handle opening36 for mounting the hook accessory 856 and a support hook 858 at theother end configured to support another accessory or device. The body ofthe hook accessory 856 in this embodiment is contoured similarly to thesurface of the wall mount bracket 20 and generally extends insurface-to-surface contact with portions of the central panel 30, thesecond offset panel 49, and the bottom wall mount panel 44 located belowthe side handle opening 36. The mounting structure in FIG. 29 (i.e.,mounting hook 857) may be used with other accessories as well. It isunderstood that such accessories may be used similarly in connectionwith other embodiments disclosed herein.

The first side upper rack pivot bracket 50, shown in FIG. 4, comprisesbase 52, upper pivot wall 54, and lower pivot wall 56. The base 52comprise outer surface 60, inner surface 61, central region 62, firstside wing region 64, second side wing region 66, first side mountingopening 68, and second side mounting opening 69. The upper pivot wall 54comprise inner surface 70, outer surface 71, and pivot opening 72. Thelower pivot wall 56 comprise inner surface 73, outer surface 74, andpivot opening 75. It is to be understood the base 52 connects the upperpivot wall 54 and lower pivot wall 56 through extension of the centralregion 62. In the exemplary figure, the upper pivot wall 54 and lowerpivot wall 56 are generally parallel in reference to one another, whileother configurations are contemplated.

The inner surface 61 of the base 52 is generally mated to the outersurface 26 of the upper wall mount bracket 20 with the outer surface 60generally opposite the inner surface 61. Generally, the base 52 extendsfrom first side wing region 64, through central region 62, and to thesecond side wing region 66. The first side wing region 64 definesopening first side mounting opening 68 and the second side wing region66 defines opening second side mounting opening 69. It is to beunderstood the wing regions of the base 52 are connected to the centralregion 62 of the base. The mounting openings 68, 69 are coaxiallyaligned with the openings 33 of the first side mounting region 32 of theupper wall mount bracket 20. It is to be understood any alteration ofthe position of the openings 33 of the upper wall mount bracket is to besubstantially similar to alterations in the positions of the openings68, 69. Further, the mounting openings 68, 69 in the configuration shownare of a variable size that is subject to change in contemplatedconfigurations.

The inner surface 70 and outer surface 71 of the upper pivot wall 54 aregenerally opposite one another with pivot opening 72 defined by theupper pivot wall 54 and extending through the inner surface 70 and outersurface 71. The inner surface 73 and outer surface 74 of the lower pivotwall 56 are generally opposite one another with pivot opening 75 definedby the lower pivot wall 56 and extending through the inner surface 73and outer surface 74. The inner surface 70 of upper pivot wall 54 andinner surface 73 of the lower pivot wall 56 generally face one anotherin such a way the corresponding outer surfaces 71, 74 face opposite inreference to one another. The pivot openings 72, 75 of the upper pivotwall 54 and lower pivot wall 56 are generally coaxial in reference toone another. It is to be understood the sizing of the openings 72, 75 inthe exemplary figure is variable and subject to change in contemplatedconfigurations of the design.

The second side upper rack pivot bracket 150, shown in FIG. 4, comprisebase 152, upper pivot wall 154, and lower pivot wall 156. The base 152comprise outer surface 160, inner surface 161, central region 162, firstside wing region 164, second side wing region 166, first side mountingopening 168, and second side mounting opening 169. The upper pivot wall154 comprise inner surface 170, outer surface 171, and pivot opening172. The lower pivot wall 156 comprise inner surface 173, outer surface174, and pivot opening 175. It is to be understood the base 152 connectsthe upper pivot wall 154 and lower pivot wall 156 through extension ofthe central region 162. In the exemplary figure, the upper pivot wall154 and lower pivot wall 156 are generally parallel in reference to oneanother, but is subject to change in contemplated configurations andfuture iterations of the design.

The inner surface 161 of the base 152 is mated to the outer surface 126of the upper wall mount bracket 20 with the outer surface 160 generallyopposite the inner surface 161. Generally, the base 152 extends fromfirst side wing region 164, through central region 162, and to thesecond side wing region 166. The first side wing region 164 definesopening first side mounting opening 168 and the second side wing region166 defines opening second side mounting opening 169. It is to beunderstood the wing regions of the base 152 are connected to the centralregion 162 of the base. The mounting openings 168, 169 are coaxiallyaligned with the openings 35 of the second side mounting region 34 ofthe upper wall mount bracket 20. It is to be understood any alterationof the position of the openings 133 of the upper wall mount bracket isto be substantially similar to alterations in the positions of theopenings 168, 169. Further, the mounting openings 168, 169 in theexemplary figure are of a variable size that is subject to change incontemplated configurations.

The inner surface 170 and outer surface 171 of the upper pivot wall 154are generally opposite one another with pivot opening 172 defined by theupper pivot wall 154 and extending through the inner surface 170 andouter surface 171. The inner surface 173 and outer surface 174 of thelower pivot wall 156 are opposite one another with pivot opening 175defined by the lower pivot wall 156 and extending through the innersurface 173 and outer surface 174. The inner surface 170 of upper pivotwall 154 and inner surface 173 of the lower pivot wall 156 generallyface one another in such a way the corresponding outer surfaces 171, 174face opposite in reference to one another. The pivot openings 172, 175of the upper pivot wall 154 and lower pivot wall 156 are generallycoaxial in reference to one another. It is to be understood the sizingof the openings 172, 175 in the exemplary figure is variable and subjectto change in contemplated configurations of the design.

Shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, mounting and assembly of the upper rockmount assembly uses wall mount fasteners 80, pivot bracket mountfasteners 82, and pivot pins 84. The upper wall mount bracket 20, firstside upper rack pivot bracket 50, and second side upper rack pivotbracket 150 in the exemplary figures are coupled together through pivotbracket mount fasteners 82. The pivot bracket mount fasteners 82 fitsubstantially and concentrically with the mounting openings 68, 69, 168,169 of the upper rack pivot brackets and the openings 33, 35 of theupper wall mount bracket. The first side upper rack pivot bracket 50 andthe second side upper rack pivot bracket 150 are generally aligned inreference to the vertical plan and separated along the horizontal planeby the upper wall mount bracket 20.

In the configuration shown, the first side upper rack pivot bracket 50and the second side upper rack pivot bracket 150 mate to the upper wallmount bracket 20 by the pivot bracket mount fasteners. In the exemplaryfigure, the upper wall mount bracket 20 is generally coupled to the wallsurface 700 by wall mount fasteners 80. The wall mount fasteners 80couple the upper wall mount bracket 20 to wall surface 70 through slots42, 46 of the top wall mount panel 40 and bottom wall mount panel 44 tothe studs 702 of the wall surface 700. It is to be understood the wallmount fasteners 80 are aligned in such a way to provide a substantialenough force to limit vertical and horizontal movement of the upper wallmount bracket 20 while coupled to the wall surface 700, additionallyresisting external forces. Pivot pins 84 couple to the first side upperrack pivot bracket 50 and second side upper rack pivot bracket 150through the pivot openings 72, 75, 172, and 175 to pivotably connect thefirst side rack assembly 16 and the second side rack assembly 18 to thefirst side upper rack pivot bracket 50 and the second side upper rackpivot bracket 150, respectively. The pivot pins 84 are generallyconcentric to the openings and fit in such a way that rotationalmovement is not generally limited. The pivot pins 84 are verticallyoriented and permit pivoting or rotational movement of the first andsecond side rack assemblies 16, 18 parallel to the ground. It is to beunderstood the number of fasteners, as well as their sizing and methodof attachment, used in the shown figures is exemplary and is subject tochange in contemplated configurations of the design.

Shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9, the lower rack mount assembly 14 issubstantially identical to the upper rack mount assembly 12. As such,the same components have the same reference numbers augmented by 200. Inparticular, the lower rack mount assembly comprises lower wall mountbracket 220, first side lower rack pivot bracket 250, second side lowerrack pivot bracket 350, wall mount fasteners 280, pivot bracket mountfasteners 282, and pivot pins 284. The lower wall mount bracket 220comprises a first side end 222, second side end 224, outer surface 226,inner surface 228, central panel 230, top wall mount panel 240, bottomwall mount panel 244, first end offset panels 248, and second offsetpanels 249. Further, the top wall mount panel 240 and bottom wall mountpanel 244 define a plurality of slots 242, 246 extending generallythrough the outer surface 226 and inner surface 228. The central panel230 further comprises first side mounting region 232, second sidemounting region 234, first side handle openings 236 and second sidehandle openings 238, with the first side mounting region 232 and secondside mounting region 234 both defining a plurality of openings 233, 235extending generally through the outer surface 226 and inner surface 228.

The first end 222 and second end 224 are generally opposite one anotherwith the outer surface 226 and inner surface 228 extending generallyfrom and to each end. The outer surface 226 and inner surface areopposite one another in reference to the lower wall mount bracket 220with the outer surface 226 facing opposite the inner surface 224. Thefirst side mounting region 232 of the central panel is proximate to thefirst side end 222 and the second side mounting region 234 of thecentral panel 230 is proximate to the second side end 224. Openings 233of the first side mounting region 232, in the configuration shown, areseparated by a general amount of material along the central panel 230,being proximate to the first side end 222 generally more than the firstside handle opening 236. Openings 235 of the second side mounting region234, in the configuration shown, are separated by a general amount ofmaterial along the central panel 230, being proximate to the second sideend 224 generally more than the second side handle opening 238. Thefirst side handle opening 236 and the second side handle opening 238extend generally through the outer surface 226 and inner surface 228 andare proximate to the central axis of the lower rack mount assembly 14.It is to be understood the size of the openings 233, 235, the first sidehandle opening 236, and second side handle opening 238 as well as thedistance of separation between them along the lower wall mount bracket220 in the exemplary figure are variable and subject to change incontemplated configurations of the design.

The central panel 230, top wall mount panel 240, and bottom wall mountpanel 244 extend generally from the first side end 222 to the secondside end 224 and are parallel in reference to one another. In theconfiguration shown, the top wall mount panel 240 and bottom wall mountpanel 244 are coplanar in reference to one another such that a suitablyflat surface mated to the inner surface 228 of the top wall mount panel240 will be generally mated to the inner surface 228 of the bottom wallmount panel 244. In the vertical plane, the central panel is generallybetween the top wall mount panel 240 and bottom wall panel 244, with thebottom wall mount panel generally beneath the central panel 230 and topwall mount panel 240. In the exemplary figure, the plurality of slots242 defined by the top wall mount panel 240 and the plurality of theslots 246 defined by the bottom wall mount panel 244 extend from firstend 222 towards second end 224. It is to be understood the number ofslots 242, 246 and the sizing in reference to the horizontal andvertical distance are variable and subject to change in contemplatedconfigurations of the design.

The central panel 230 and top wall mount panel 240 are coupled throughthe first offset panel 248. In the configuration shown, the first offsetpanel 248 is oblique to the parallel surface of the central panel 230and top wall mount panel 240. It is to be understood the angle of offsetof the first offset panel 248 may be of any suitable amount such thatthe central panel 230 and top wall mount panel 240 are generallyseparated with reference to the horizontal plane. The central panel 230and bottom wall mount panel 244 are coupled through the second offsetpanel 249. In the configuration shown, the second offset panel 249 isoblique to the parallel surface of the central panel 230 and bottom wallmount panel 244. The first and second offset panels 248, 249, as well asthe junctures between the offset panels 248, 249 and the central panel230 and the top and bottom wall mount panels 240, 244, extend the entirewidth of the bottom wall mount bracket 220, i.e., between the first end222 and the second end 224. It is to be understood in contemplatedconfigurations of the design, the angle of offset of the second offsetpanel 249 may be of any suitable amount such that the central panel 230and bottom wall mount panel 244 are generally separated with referenceto the horizontal plane, including the central panel 230 being moved insuch a way that the top wall mount panel 240 and bottom wall mount panel244 are switched in reference to the horizontal plane.

The first side lower rack pivot bracket 250, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,comprise base 252, upper pivot wall 254, and lower pivot wall 256. Thebase 252 comprise outer surface 260, inner surface 261, central region262, first side wing region 264, second side wing region 266, first sidemounting opening 268, and second side mounting opening 269. The upperpivot wall 254 comprise inner surface 270, outer surface 271, and pivotopening 272. The lower pivot wall 256 comprise inner surface 273, outersurface 274, and pivot opening 275. It is to be understood the base 252connects the upper pivot wall 254 and lower pivot wall 256 throughextension of the central region 262. In the exemplary figure, the upperpivot wall 254 and lower pivot wall 256 are generally parallel inreference to one another, but is subject to change in contemplatedconfigurations and future iterations of the design.

The inner surface 261 of the base 252 is mated to the outer surface 226of the lower wall mount bracket 220 with the outer surface 260 generallyopposite the inner surface 261. Generally, the base 252 extends fromfirst side wing region 264, through central region 262, and to thesecond side wing region 266. The first side wing region 264 definesopening first side mounting opening 268 and the second side wing region266 defines opening second side mounting opening 269. It is to beunderstood the wing regions of the base 252 are connected to the centralregion 262 of the base. The mounting openings 268, 269 are generallycoaxially aligned with the openings 233 of the first side mountingregion 232 of the lower wall mount bracket 220. It is to be understoodany alteration of the position of the openings 233 of the lower wallmount bracket 220 is to be generally similar to alterations in thepositions of the openings 268, 269. Further, the mounting openings 268,269 in the exemplary figure are of a variable size that is subject tochange in contemplated configurations.

The inner surface 270 and outer surface 271 of the upper pivot wall 254are generally opposite one another with pivot opening 272 defined by theupper pivot wall 254 and extending through the inner surface 270 andouter surface 271. The inner surface 273 and outer surface 274 of thelower pivot wall 256 are generally opposite one another with pivotopening 275 defined by the lower pivot wall 256 and extending throughthe inner surface 273 and outer surface 274. The inner surface 270 ofupper pivot wall 254 and inner surface 273 of the lower pivot wall 256generally face one another in such a way the corresponding outersurfaces 271, 274 face opposite in reference to one another. The pivotopenings 272, 275 of the upper pivot wall 254 and lower pivot wall 256are generally coaxial in reference to one another. It is to beunderstood the sizing of the openings 272, 275 in the exemplary figureis variable and subject to change in contemplated configurations of thedesign.

The second side lower rack pivot bracket 350, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, issubstantially identical to each one of the rack pivot brackets, and,generally comprises base 352, upper pivot wall 354, and lower pivot wall356. The base 352 comprise outer surface 360, inner surface 361, centralregion 362, first side wing region 364, second side wing region 366,first side mounting opening 368, and second side mounting opening 369.The upper pivot wall 354 comprise inner surface 370, outer surface 371,and pivot opening 372. The lower pivot wall 356 comprise inner surface373, outer surface 374, and pivot opening 375. It is to be understoodthe base 352 connects the upper pivot wall 354 and lower pivot wall 356through extension of the central region 362. In the exemplary figure,the upper pivot wall 354 and lower pivot wall 356 are generally parallelin reference to one another, but is subject to change in contemplatedconfigurations and future iterations of the design.

The inner surface 361 of the base 352 is mated to the outer surface 326of the lower wall mount bracket 220 with the outer surface 360 generallyopposite the inner surface 361. Generally, the base 352 extends fromfirst side wing region 364, through central region 362, and to thesecond side wing region 366. The first side wing region 364 definesopening first side mounting opening 368 and the second side wing region366 defines opening second side mounting opening 369. It is to beunderstood the wing regions of the base 352 are connected to the centralregion 362 of the base. The mounting openings 368, 369 are generallycoaxially aligned with the openings 235 of the second side mountingregion 234 of the lower wall mount bracket 220. It is to be understoodany alteration of the position of the openings 333 of the lower wallmount bracket 220 is to be generally similar to alterations in thepositions of the openings 368, 369. Further, the mounting openings 368,369 in the exemplary figure are of a variable size that is subject tochange in contemplated configurations.

The inner surface 370 and outer surface 371 of the upper pivot wall 354are generally opposite one another with pivot opening 372 defined by theupper pivot wall 354 and extending through the inner surface 370 andouter surface 371. The inner surface 373 and outer surface 374 of thelower pivot wall 356 are generally opposite one another with pivotopening 375 defined by the lower pivot wall 356 and extending throughthe inner surface 373 and outer surface 374. The inner surface 370 ofupper pivot wall 354 and inner surface 373 of the lower pivot wall 356generally face one another in such a way the corresponding outersurfaces 371, 374 face opposite in reference to one another. The pivotopenings 372, 375 of the upper pivot wall 354 and lower pivot wall 356are generally coaxial in reference to one another. It is to beunderstood the sizing of the openings 372, 375 in the exemplary figureis variable and subject to change in contemplated configurations of thedesign.

Shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, mounting and assembly of the lower rack mountassembly uses wall mount fasteners 80, pivot bracket mount fasteners 82,and pivot pins 84. The lower wall mount bracket 220, first side lowerrack pivot bracket 250, and second side lower rack pivot bracket 350 inthe exemplary figures are coupled together through pivot bracket mountfasteners 82. The pivot bracket mount fasteners 82 fit concentricallywith the mounting openings 268, 269, 368, 369 of the lower rack pivotbrackets and the openings 233, 235 of the lower wall mount bracket 220.The first side lower rack pivot bracket 250 and the second side lowerrack pivot bracket 350 are generally aligned in reference to thevertical plan and separated along the horizontal plane by the lower wallmount bracket 220.

In the configuration shown, the first side lower rack pivot bracket 250and the second side lower rack pivot bracket 350 mate to the lower wallmount bracket 220 by the pivot bracket mount fasteners. In theconfiguration shown, the lower wall mount bracket 220 is coupled to thewall surface 700 by wall mount fasteners 80. The wall mount fasteners280 couple the lower wall mount bracket 220 to wall surface 270 throughslots 42, 246 of the top wall mount panel 240 and bottom wall mountpanel 244 to the studs 702 of the wall surface 700. It is to beunderstood the wall mount fasteners 280 are aligned in such a way toprovide enough force to limit vertical and horizontal movement of thelower wall mount bracket 220 whilst coupled to the wall surface 700,additionally resisting external forces. Pivot pins 84 couple to thefirst side lower rack pivot bracket 250 and second side lower rack pivotbracket 350 through the pivot openings 272, 275, 372, and 375. The pivotpins 84 are generally concentric to the openings and fit in such a waythat rotational movement is not substantially limited, but vertical andhorizontal movement is. The pivot pins 84 associated with the lower wallmount bracket 220 are configured similarly to the pivot pins 84associated with the upper wall mount bracket 20 described herein. It isto be understood the number of fasteners, as well as their sizing andmethod of attachment, used in the shown figures is exemplary and issubject to change in contemplated configurations of the design. In eachof the upper and lower wall mount brackets, the offset central panel 30,230 is spaced apart from the underlying wall surface 700 so as to allowfor suitable fasteners 87 to be used to couple the pivot brackets 50,150, 250, 350 thereto, e.g., by the fasteners 87 being received throughthe mounting openings 68, 69, 168, 169, 268, 269, 368, 369, and theopenings 33, 35, 233, 235. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the clearanceprovided to the fasteners 87 by this offset.

Shown in FIG. 5, the first side rack assembly 16 comprises a main bar400, upper cross bar 402, and lower cross bar 404. The main barcomprises upper end 406, lower end 408, and openings 409. The uppercross bar 402 comprises proximal end 410, distal end 411, front flange412, openings 414, and pivot opening 416. The lower cross bar 404comprises proximal end 420, distal end 421, front flange 422, openings424, and pivot opening 426. It is to be understood the main bar 400,upper cross bar 402, and lower cross bar 404 are have square,rectangular, or other generally similarly shaped cross-sections. In theexemplary configuration, the main bar 400 is generally perpendicular inrelation to the upper cross bar 402 and lower cross bar 404. Further,the upper cross bar 402 is generally parallel to the lower cross bar404. It is to be understood by those with sufficient skill in the artthat the bars present may be solid bars or shells of appropriately stiffmaterials, such as metal alloys. In the exemplary figure, the thicknessof the metal is isometric throughout the extension of the bar systems,but it is contemplated to change in future iterations of the device.Further, the length of the main bar 400, upper cross bar 402, and lowercross bar 404 are variable and subject to change in future iterations ofthe device.

The upper end 406 and lower end 408 of the main bar 400 are generallyopposite one another with the main bar extended the distance betweenboth ends. The openings 409 are defined by main bar 400 and extendgenerally through both the front, back, and opposing sides of the mainbar 400. The upper cross bar 402 has proximal end 410 proximal to thewall surface 700 and distal end 411 proximal to the main bar 400 whilebeing generally opposite one another in relation to the upper cross bar402. The front flange 412 is on distal end 411 of the upper cross barand mates to the main bar 400. The extension of the flange is variableand subject to alteration in future iterations of the device. Openings414 are defined by upper cross bar 404 and extend generally through boththe front, back, and opposing sides of the upper cross bar 404, with thepivot opening 416 extending through the proximal end 410 along thevertical plane of the upper cross bar 404. The lower cross bar 404 hasproximal end 420 proximal to the wall surface 700 and distal end 421proximal to the main bar 400 while being generally opposite one anotherin relation to the lower cross bar 404. The front flange 422 is ondistal end 421 of the lower cross bar and mates to the main bar 400. Theextension of the flange is variable and subject to alteration in futureiterations of the device. Openings 424 are defined by lower cross bar404 and extend generally through both the front, back, and opposingsides of the lower cross bar 404, with the pivot opening 426 extendingthrough the proximal end 420 along the vertical plane of the lower crossbar 404. It is to be understood the number of openings, as well as theirsize, is variable and subject to change in contemplated configurations.

Shown in FIG. 9, the second side rack assembly 18 is a substantialmirror image of the first side rack assembly, and comprises a main bar500, upper cross bar 502, and lower cross bar 504. The main barcomprises upper end 506, lower end 508, and openings 509. The uppercross bar 502 comprises proximal end 510, distal end 511, front flange512, openings 514, and pivot opening 516. The lower cross bar 504comprises proximal end 520, distal end 521, front flange 522, openings524, and pivot opening 526. It is to be understood the main bar 500,upper cross bar 502, and lower cross bar 504 are have square,rectangular, or other generally similarly shaped cross-sections. In theexemplary configuration, the main bar 500 is generally perpendicular inrelation to the upper cross bar 502 and lower cross bar 504. Further,the upper cross bar 502 is generally parallel to the lower cross bar504. It is to be understood by those with sufficient skill in the artthat the bars present may be solid bars or shells of appropriately stiffmaterials, such as metal alloys. In the exemplary figure, the thicknessof the metal is isometric throughout the extension of the bar systems,but it is contemplated to change in future iterations of the device.Further, the length of the main bar 500, upper cross bar 502, and lowercross bar 504 are variable and subject to change in future iterations ofthe device.

The upper end 506 and lower end 508 of the main bar 500 are generallyopposite one another with the main bar extended the distance betweenboth ends. The openings 509 are defined by main bar 500 and extendgenerally through both the front, back, and opposing sides of the mainbar 500. The upper cross bar 502 has proximal end 510 proximal to thewall surface 700 and distal end 511 proximal to the main bar 500 whilebeing generally opposite one another in relation to the upper cross bar502. The front flange 512 is on distal end 511 of the upper cross barand mates to the main bar 500. The extension of the flange is variableand subject to alteration in future iterations of the device. Openings514 are defined by upper cross bar 504 and extend generally through boththe front, back, and opposing sides of the upper cross bar 504, with thepivot opening 516 extending through the proximal end 510 along thevertical plane of the upper cross bar 504. The lower cross bar 504 hasproximal end 520 proximal to the wall surface 700 and distal end 521proximal to the main bar 500 while being generally opposite one anotherin relation to the lower cross bar 504. The front flange 522 is ondistal end 521 of the lower cross bar and mates to the main bar 500. Theextension of the flange is variable and subject to alteration in futureiterations of the device. Openings 524 are defined by lower cross bar504 and extend generally through both the front, back, and opposingsides of the lower cross bar 504, with the pivot opening 526 extendingthrough the proximal end 520 along the vertical plane of the lower crossbar 504. It is to be understood the number of openings, as well as theirsize, is variable and subject to change in contemplated configurations.

With each of the first and second side rack assemblies, a pin may beinserted through the proximal end of the upper and lower cross bars andthrough the pivot brackets to rotationally lock the two structurestogether, and to generally preclude any substantial rotative relativemovement. Such pins may be configured to be removably slidable throughcorresponding openings in each of the structures.

The cross bar assembly 19, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, comprises central barportion 600, first side rack coupling 602, second side rack coupling604, first pin member 606, and second pin member 608. The central barportion 600 comprises first end 610 and second end 612, the first siderack coupling 602 comprises outward channel 614 and pin openings 616,the second side rack coupling 604 comprises outwards channel 624 and pinopenings 626. The first end 610 of the central bar portion 600 isproximal to the first side rack assembly 16 and the second end 612 ofthe central bar portion 600 is proximal to the second side rack assembly18. The outward channel 614 of the first side rack coupling 602 extendsand generally surrounds the first side rack assembly 16. The pinopenings 616 are defined by the outwards channel 614 and are axiallyaligned with openings along the first side rack assembly 16. The outwardchannel 624 of the second side rack coupling 604 extends and generallysurrounds the second side rack assembly 18. The pin openings 626 aredefined by the outwards channel 624 and are axially aligned withopenings along the second side rack assembly 18. The first pin member606 is a pin of suitable size to extend through pin openings 616 of thefirst side rack coupling and openings of the first side rack assembly16. The first pin member 606 is known to be generally axially alignedwith openings and generally prevent vertical and horizontal motion. Thesecond pin member 608 is a pin of suitable size to extend through pinopenings 626 of the second side rack coupling and openings of the secondside rack assembly 18. The second pin member 608 is known to begenerally axially aligned with openings and generally prevent verticaland horizontal motion. It is contemplated in future configurations ofthe device that the number of openings and pins, and size therein, arevariable and are subject to change.

Described herein is a method for assembly of the foldable weightliftingrack assembly to the exemplary system shown. The method, order, andtools necessary for assembly of the weightlifting rack are contemplatedto vary in various configurations, depending upon size, weight, andmaterials used to construct and hold the metal bars and brackets inplace. For example, heavier structures may use similar components, butmay involve a greater number of wall mounting fasteners and slotsthereto.

Assembly may begin through identifying the studs 702 beneath the wallsurface 700 and lining with the upper wall mount bracket 20. Theplurality of slots 42, 46 of the upper wall mount bracket, includinglength of slots between first send end 22 and second side end 24, allowfor a range of stud 702 distances to be used. Holes may be pre-drilledinto the wall surface 700 into the studs 702. These drill holes are tobe done both an appropriate number of times along the upper end of thestuds 702 but also the lower end to a distance generally similar to themain bars 400, 500 of the first and second side rack assembly. It isrecommended to use the upper wall mount bracket 20 to mark the necessarylocations before drilling.

During the time of drilling the holes, the first side upper rack pivotbrackets 50, 250 and second side rack pivot brackets 150, 350 areappropriately coupled to the upper wall mount bracket 20 and lower wallmount bracket 220. The mounting openings of the rack pivot brackets aregenerally aligned axially to the openings of the appropriate wall mountbrackets. The pivot bracket mount fasteners 82, 282 are used to couplethe brackets together, in a manner that may include, but is not limitedto, screwing, bolting, adhesive attachment, or other such methods of pincoupling, and preferably through the use of bolts and nuts, as is shown.It will be understood that multiple pairs or groups of openings may beprovided to alter the spacing, for example, to make the upper wall mountbracket usable with differently sized rack assemblies (i.e., wherein,for example, the generally square/rectangular tubing of the rackassemblies have different cross-sectional dimensions)

Following, the upper rack mount assembly 12 is position over thepre-drilled holes in the wall surface, with the wall mount fastenersinserted in such a way they are suitably able to hold the mount assemblyalong the wall. At this time, a leveling tool may be used to ensure theextension of the wall mounting assembly is generally parallel inreference to the ground. When satisfied, the wall mount fasteners 80 maybe tightened into the wall surface 700 and studs 702. The same processis repeated for the lower rack mount assembly 14, with the additionalstep of ensuring the brackets, ends and appropriate holes aresufficiently aligned in reference to the horizontal plane.

The first side rack assembly 16 and second side rack assembly 18 areassembled separated from the upper and lower rack mount assemblies 12,14. The upper cross bar 402 and lower cross bar 404 are coupled to themain bar 400 through the appropriate front flange 412, 424 and fastenersextending therebetween.

The first side rack assembly 16 and second side rack assembly 18 arelifted towards the upper and lower rack mount assembly 12, 14 in such away that the proximal ends 410, 420 are proximal to the wall surface andrack mount assemblies. These proximal ends are fitted into the rackpivot brackets appropriately. That is to say, for the first side rackassembly 16, the proximal end 410 of the upper cross bar 402 is fittedto the first side upper rack pivot bracket 50 and the proximal end 420of the lower cross bar 404 is fitted to the first side lower rack pivotbracket 250. Then further, the second side rack assembly 18, theproximal end 510 of the upper cross bar 502 is fitted to the second sideupper rack pivot 150 and the proximal end 520 of the lower cross bar 504is fitted to the second side lower rack pivot bracket 350. Once the barsare appropriately placed within the pivot brackets, pivot pins 84, 284are placed vertically through the pivot openings of the brackets and thecross bars. This couples the rack assemblies to the wall mountassemblies in such a way to generally prevent the horizontal andvertical motion of the rack assemblies in relation to the wall surface702, but allowing a suitable amount of rotational movement about thepivot pins 84,284. As described above, the rack assembly 10 may be movedbetween an articulated configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and a foldedconfiguration as shown in FIGS. 10-11, by pivoting the first and secondside rack assemblies 16, 18 toward the wall surface 700. FIGS. 10-11show the first and second side rack assemblies 16, 18 both pivotedtoward each other (i.e., inward) to place the rack assembly 10 in thefolded configuration, and it is understood that one or both of the firstand second side rack assemblies 16, 18 may be pivoted away from theother (i.e., outward) in other configurations. Additionally, lockingpins 85 may be inserted in additional corresponding locking pin openings86 to engage the first side rack assembly 16 and the first side upperrack pivot bracket 50 and also to engage with the second side rackassembly 18 and the second side upper rack pivot bracket 150, so as tolimit relative rotational movement between. These locking pins 85generally define an axis that is substantially parallel to that of thepivot pins 84, and spaced therefrom. The first side upper rack pivotbracket 50 and the second side upper rack pivot bracket 150 each havethree different pairs of locking pin openings 86 to receive the lockingpins 85, allowing the first and second side rack assemblies 16, 18 to belocked in three different positions. The locking pins 85 may be cotterpins or other pins with a releasable retaining structure in oneembodiment. The locking pins 85 as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 arereceived in locking pin openings 86 to abut the ends of the crossmembers 402, 404, 502, 504, but may be received in the locking pinopenings 86 on the opposite sides of the pivot brackets 50, 150, 250,350 to be received through holes in the cross members 402, 404, 502,504, as similarly shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The cross bar assembly 19 may be attached when the rack assemblies arepositioned in a suitable manner, fitting over the first end of the mainbars to each assembly. The cross bar assembly 19 may be further securedto the assemblies through first pin member into openings of the main barof the first assembly and the second pin member into openings of themain bar of the second assembly, both going through the appropriate siderack coupling portions. This coupling secures the cross bar assembly 19to the first side rack assembly 16 and second side rack assembly 18. Theuser can use the cross bar for chin-ups, pull-ups and the like.Additionally, the cross bar maintains the desired fixed orientation ofthe main bars so as to limit shearing forces on the pins and so as tomaintain relative position, even with heavier weights.

When disengaging the foldable weightlifting bar assembly 10, the crossbar assembly 19 is decoupled from the side assemblies by unlocking pinmembers and removing the bar assembly. Additionally, any pins lockingthe pivot brackets to the upper and lower cross bars are removed, topermit relative rotation therebetween. Once removed, the first side andsecond side bar assemblies may be rotated towards the wall rack mountassembly while the main bar of either sides become more proximal to oneanother. This folding and rotation about the pivot pins 84, 284collapses the first and second side bar assemblies of the weight liftingrack assembly 10 and reduces the amount of area occupied by the device.

The upper and lower wall mount brackets allow for the mounting of thefoldable weightlifting bar assembly on a wall in multiple positions, andgenerally does not require additional structures to be built or added tothe wall surface (such as horizontal studs or the like). Thus, a morecompact and less intrusive structure is permitted. Additionally, theupper and lower wall mount brackets allow for the variable position ofthe foldable weightlifting bar assembly on the wall, without beinglimited to particular and discrete positions based on the underlyingposition of the studs. Therefore, not only can the assembly bepositioned in more locations, but will generally maintain as compact ofa configuration when folded as possible.

FIGS. 14-20 illustrate another embodiment of a weightlifting rackassembly 810 that is configured for mounting to a wall surface 700. Therack assembly 810 uses a wall mount bracket 800 that is configuredsimilar to the upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7 and 10-13. Forthe sake of brevity, the shared components and features of the upperwall mount bracket 20 already described herein will not be re-describedherein in detail, and the same reference numbers will be used indescribing the wall mount bracket 800 of FIGS. 14-20 and the upper wallmount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7 and 10-13. The wall mount bracket 800 inFIGS. 14-20 will therefore be described primarily with respect to thedifferences between the wall mount bracket 800 and the upper wall mountbracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7. For example, one difference is that the wallmount bracket 800 of FIGS. 14-20 has three slots 42 in the top wallmount panel 40 three slots 46 in the bottom wall mount panel 44, whilethe upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7 and 10-13 has four of eachof such slots 42, 46. It is noted that the single mount bracket 800enables the rack assembly 810 of FIGS. 14-20 to be mounted on a wallsurface 700 above a doorway 701, as shown in FIG. 20.

The rack assembly 810 in FIGS. 14-20 is configured for use as a fixedpull-up bar, and includes a first side mount bracket 801, a second sidemount bracket 802, and a bar 803 connected to the mount brackets 801,802 and extending between the mount brackets 801, 802. Each of the mountbrackets 801, 802 includes a base 805 configured for connection to thewall mount bracket 800 and a support arm 806 extending outward from thebase 805 to support the bar 803. The base 805 is formed as a rectangularplate in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-20, but may be formed of adifferently shaped plate or another structure in other embodiments. Thefirst side mount bracket 801 is connected to the first side mountingregion 32 and the second side mount bracket 802 is connected to thesecond side mounting region 34 by fasteners 87 received through mountingopenings 804 in the bases 805 of the mount brackets 801, 802 andopenings 33, 35 in the central panel 30 of the wall mount bracket 800.The openings 33, 35 in the wall mount bracket 800 of FIGS. 14-20 (notshown) are positioned differently from the openings 33, 35 in the upperwall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7, which are vertically aligned withand horizontally spaced from each other. In the wall mount bracket 800of FIGS. 14-20, the openings 33, 35 are offset and spaced from eachother both vertically and horizontally, and the mounting openings 804 inthe bases 805 of the mount brackets 801, 802 are positioned similarly inorder to align with the openings 33, 35 in the wall mount bracket 800.

The arms 806 of the mount brackets 801, 802 each have a first end 807connected to the base 805 and a second or distal end 808 havingconnecting structure for connection to the bar 803. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 14-20, the arm 806 of each mount bracket 801, 802 is formed of asingle, integral piece (e.g., of metal plate) with the base 805, and thejuncture between the arm 806 and the base 805 is formed by a bend (e.g.,90°) in the material of the mount bracket 801, 802. Each arm 806 extendsoutward from the respective base 805 as well as downward from the firstend 807, and in one embodiment, the second ends 808 of the arms 806extend downward below the lowermost point of the wall mount bracket 800(e.g., the bottom edge of the bottom wall mount panel 44), as shown inFIGS. 16-17. The connecting structure of each arm 806 in the embodimentof FIGS. 14-20 is in the form of a receiver 809 connected to the secondend 808 of the arm 806 and configured to receive an end of the bar 803therein. The receivers 809 in FIGS. 14-20 are separate pieces connectedto the arms 806, such as by welding and/or fasteners, but may each bepart of a single, integral piece with the corresponding arm 806 inanother embodiment. The receivers 809 in this embodiment include setscrews 813 (FIG. 19) to engage the ends of the bar 803 and secure thebar 803 within the receivers 809. Each of the mount brackets 801, 802 inFIGS. 14-20 also includes a brace 811 extending downward and rearwardfrom the arm 806 and having a distal or free end 812 configured toengage a vertical surface (e.g., the wall mount bracket 20 or the wallsurface 700). The free ends 812 of the braces 811 in FIGS. 14-20abuttingly engage the bottom wall mount panel 44 of the wall mountbracket 800. These braces 811 provide support and rigidity to the arms806 against cantilever bending forces exerted on the bar 803. The braces811 in FIGS. 14-20 are also formed of part of the single, integral piecewith the arms 806 and the bases 805 of the corresponding mount brackets801, 802. It is understood that the mount brackets 801, 802, includingthe bases 805, the arms 806, the connecting structure, and the braces811, may have different configurations in other embodiments. Forexample, in another embodiment, the mount brackets 801, 802 may beconfigured to support a different type of weightlifting equipment otherthan a pull-up bar 803.

FIGS. 21-22 illustrate another embodiment of a weightlifting rackassembly 820 that is configured for mounting to a wall surface 700. Therack assembly 820 uses upper and lower wall mount brackets 821 that areconfigured similar or identical to the upper and lower wall mountbrackets 20, 220 of FIGS. 1-13. For the sake of brevity, the upper andlower wall mount brackets 821 in FIGS. 21-22 will be described withreference to the upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7 and 10-13, andthe shared components and features of the upper wall mount bracket 20already described herein will not be re-described herein in detail. Thesame reference numbers will be used in describing the wall mountbrackets 821 of FIGS. 21-22 and the upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS.1-7 and 10-13. The wall mount brackets 821 in FIGS. 21-22 will thereforebe described primarily with respect to the differences between the wallmount brackets 821 and the upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7 and10-13. It is understood that while the upper and lower wall mountbrackets 821 of FIGS. 21-22 are identical to each other, the rackassembly 820 may include upper and lower wall mount brackets 821 thatare different from each other.

The rack assembly 820 in FIGS. 21-22 is configured for use as a fixedweightlifting rack, and includes a first side mount bracket 822 and asecond side mount bracket 823 connected to each of the upper and lowerwall mount brackets 821. The mount brackets 822, 823 are configured forconnection to a fixed weightlifting rack 824 to support theweightlifting rack 824 and fix the weightlifting rack 824 in position.Each of the mount brackets 822, 823 includes a base 825 configured forconnection to the wall mount brackets 821, a beam 826 extending outwardfrom the base 825, and a connection end 827 configured for connection tothe weightlifting rack 824. The base 825 and the connection end 827 ofeach of the mount brackets 822, 823 in FIGS. 21-22 are each formed as arectangular plate in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-22, but may be formed ofa differently shaped plate or another structure in other embodiments.Additionally, the rectangular shapes of the base 825 and the connectionend 827 in FIGS. 21-22 are elongated in perpendicular directions, suchthat the base 825 is elongated horizontally and the connection end 827is elongated vertically. In one embodiment, the base 825 and theconnection end 827 each have a plurality of openings 828 to receivefasteners 87 for connection to the wall mount brackets 821. The base 825has two openings 828 on opposite horizontal sides of the beam 826, andthe connection end 827 has two openings 828 on opposite vertical sidesof the beam 826 in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-22. The first side mountbracket 822 is connected to the first side mounting region 32 of theupper or lower wall mount bracket 821 and the second side mount bracket823 is connected to the second side mounting region 34 of the upper orlower wall mount bracket 821 by fasteners 87 received through themounting openings 828 in the bases 825 of the mount brackets 822, 823and openings 33, 35 in the central panel 30 of the respective wall mountbracket 821. The openings 33, 35 in the upper and lower wall mountbrackets 821 of FIGS. 21-22 are positioned similarly or identically tothe openings 33, 35 in the upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7,which are vertically aligned with and horizontally spaced from eachother.

The weightlifting rack 824 is a fixed weightlifting rack that includes aframe 829 formed by a plurality of frame members 830 connected togetherand one or more articles of weightlifting equipment connected to theframe 829. The frame 829 is configured to rest on the floor and supportany such weightlifting structures, including any of the weightliftingstructures shown and described elsewhere herein. The frame 829 may havevarious different forms, and in one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 21-22,the frame 829 includes at least a first vertical member 831 locatedtoward the first ends 22 of the wall mount brackets 821 and a secondvertical member 832 located toward the second ends 24 of the wall mountbrackets 821. The first and second vertical members 831, 832 engage theground and are also connected to and/or support other frame members 830.At least some of the frame members 830 include a plurality of openings833 for receiving fasteners for connection to other components. In theembodiment of FIGS. 21-22, all of the frame members 830, including thefirst and second vertical members 831, 832, have a plurality of openings833 distributed axially along the length of each of the frame members830 and along all four sides of the frame members 830. The frame 829 inFIGS. 21-22 has two bars 834 connected between twolongitudinally-extending frame members 830 using fasteners received inthe openings 833, and it is understood that other weightliftingequipment can be connected in the same or a similar manner.

The mount brackets 822, 823 are connected to the weightlifting rack 824to anchor the weightlifting rack 824 to the wall and more securelysupport the weightlifting rack 824. The connection end 827 of each ofthe mount brackets 822, 823 in FIGS. 21-22 is connected to one of thevertical members 831, 832 of the weightlifting rack 824 by fasteners 88received through the openings 828 and openings 833 in the verticalmembers 831, 832. It is understood that the fasteners 87 connecting themount brackets 822, 823 to the wall mount brackets 821 and the fasteners88 connecting the mount brackets 822, 823 to the weightlifting rack 824may be the same or different fasteners. As shown in FIGS. 21-22, boththe upper and lower wall mount brackets 821 have a first side mountbracket 822 connecting the wall mount bracket 821 to the first verticalmember 831 and a second side mount bracket 823 connecting the wall mountbracket 821 to the second vertical member 832. In another embodiment,the first and/or second side mount brackets 822 may be configured forconnection to a horizontal frame member 830 or for connection tomultiple frame members 830.

FIGS. 23-28 illustrate another embodiment of a weightlifting rackassembly 840 that is configured for mounting to a wall surface 700. Therack assembly 840 uses a wall mount bracket 841 that is configuredsimilar in some respects to the upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7and 10-13. For the sake of brevity, the shared components and featuresof the upper wall mount bracket 20 already described herein will not bere-described herein in detail, and the same reference numbers will beused in describing the wall mount bracket 841 of FIGS. 23-28 and theupper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7 and 10-13. The wall mountbracket 841 in FIGS. 23-28 will therefore be described primarily withrespect to the differences between the wall mount bracket 841 and theupper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS. 1-7. For example, one difference isthat the wall mount bracket 841 of FIGS. 23-28 has a greater height(parallel to the wall), and the central panel 30 has mounting regions32, 34 that are configured for attachment to brackets 842, 843 that areelongated vertically, e.g., by having holes 33, 35 aligned horizontallyand spaced vertically, while the upper wall mount bracket 20 of FIGS.1-7 and 10-13 has a smaller height and vertically-aligned holes 33, 35.As another example, the wall mount bracket 841 of FIGS. 23-28 has sidehandle openings 839 that have greater heights and/or smaller horizontalwidths than the side handle openings 36, 38 of the embodiment of FIGS.1-7.

The rack assembly 840 in FIGS. 23-28 is configured for use as a fixedweightlifting rack, and includes a first side mount bracket 842 and asecond side mount bracket 843 connected to the wall mount bracket 841.The mount brackets 842, 843 are configured for connection to a fixedweightlifting rack 844 to support the weightlifting rack 844 and fix theweightlifting rack 844 in position. Each of the mount brackets 842, 843includes a base 845 configured for connection to the wall mount bracket841 and also configured for connection to one or more members of theweightlifting rack 844. In the embodiment of FIGS. 23-25, theweightlifting rack 844 includes one or more beams 846 connected to eachbase 845 and extending outward from the base 845 to support theweightlifting rack 844. The base 845 of each of the mount brackets 842,843 in FIGS. 23-28 is each formed as a rectangular plate, but may beformed of a differently shaped plate or another structure in otherembodiments. Additionally, the rectangular shape of each base 845 inFIGS. 21-22 is elongated in a direction that is vertical when the mountbrackets 842, 843 are connected to the wall mount bracket 841. In oneembodiment, the bases 845 of the mount brackets 842, 843 each have aplurality of openings 848 to receive fasteners 87 for connection to thewall mount bracket 841. Each base 845 has three openings 848 in theembodiment of FIGS. 23-25, which are spaced and vertically aligned witheach other and located proximate the top end, bottom end, and center ofthe base 845. As described above, the first and second side mountingregions 32, 34 of the wall mount bracket 841 have three openings 33, 35that are also vertically aligned and spaced to match the openings 848 inthe mount brackets 842, 843. The first side mount bracket 842 isconnected to the first side mounting region 32 of the wall mount bracket841 and the second side mount bracket 843 is connected to the secondside mounting region 34 of the wall mount bracket 841 by fasteners 87received through the mounting openings 848 in the bases 845 of the mountbrackets 842, 843 and openings 33, 35 in the central panel 30 of thewall mount bracket 841. The openings 33, 35 in the wall mount bracket841 of FIGS. 23-28 are horizontally aligned with and vertically spacedfrom each other, as described above. In one embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 23-26, the wall mount bracket 841 has at least three openings 33,35 that are positioned such that one of the openings 33, 35 ispositioned above both beams 846, another one of the openings 33, 35 ispositioned below both beams 846, and a third of the openings ispositioned between the beams 846. The mount brackets 842, 843 have atleast three corresponding openings 848 that are positioned in the sameway.

The beams 846 of the weightlifting rack 844 may be connected to themount brackets 842, 843 in various different configurations, includingby use of welding, brazing, adhesives or other bonding materials, orvarious mechanical joining structures such as interlocking structures orscrews, bolts, rivets, or other fasteners. In the embodiment of FIGS.23-26, the beams 846 are received in openings 853 in the mount brackets842, 843 and then bonded in place by welding, brazing, adhesives, orother bonding materials. The beams 846 are connected to a frame 849configured to rest on the floor and support various weightliftingstructures, including any of the weightlifting structures shown anddescribed elsewhere herein. The frame 849 may include various framemembers 850 and have various different forms, and in one embodiment asshown in FIG. 23, the frame 849 includes at least a first verticalmember 851 located toward the first end 22 of the wall mount bracket 841and a second vertical member 852 located toward the second end 24 of thewall mount bracket 841. The first and second vertical members 851, 852engage the ground and are also connected to and/or support other framemembers 850. The frame members 850 may be configured similarly to otherframe members described herein, or may have a different configuration.The frame members 850 may further include cross-beams 854 between thevertical members 851, 852, and/or each set of beams 846 may have one ormore supports 855 extending between them for strength and stability,such as shown in FIG. 23. In the embodiment of FIGS. 23-28, the beams846 are connected at or near the tops of the vertical members 851, 852,and the vertical members 851, 852 include no additional support betweenthe vertical members 851, 852 and the wall surface 700. The first sidemount bracket 842, the first vertical member 851, and the beams 846connecting them may be considered to constitute a first side assembly ofthe weightlifting rack assembly 840, and the second side mount bracket843, the second vertical member 852, and the beams 846 connecting themmay likewise be considered to constitute a second side assembly of theweightlifting rack assembly 840. In one embodiment, the spacing betweenthe wall surface 700 and the first and second vertical members 851, 852is greater than the lateral spacing between the first and secondvertical members 851, 852. In another embodiment, multiple rackassemblies 840 as shown in FIGS. 23-28 may be arranged side by side andmounted along one or more wall surfaces, and such side by side rackassemblies 840 may be connected to each other by additional framemembers, e.g., cross beams 854, to form a larger combined rack assembly.

Various embodiments of weightlifting rack assemblies, mount assembliesconfigured for use with such rack assemblies, and accessories thereforhave been described herein, which include various components andfeatures. In other embodiments, these structures may be provided withany combination of such components and features. It is also understoodthat in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and featuresof the weightlifting rack assemblies, mount assemblies, and otherstructures described herein may be constructed with similar structuraland functional elements having different configurations, includingdifferent ornamental appearances.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described andillustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possiblecombinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinaryskill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodimentscould be provided in any combination with the other embodimentsdisclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein. Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,”“proximal,” “distal,” and the like, as used herein, are intended forillustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way.Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring aspecific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fallwithin the scope of this invention, unless explicitly specified by theclaims. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicatesany number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, asnecessary, up to an infinite number. Accordingly, while the specificembodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modificationscome to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of theinvention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope ofthe accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A weightlifting assembly, comprising: a wallmount bracket configured for mounting to a wall surface, the wall mountbracket being elongated along a lateral width thereof and having a firstmounting region and a second mounting region spaced from each otheralong the lateral width the wall mount bracket; and a weightlifting rackassembly connected to the wall mount bracket, the weightlifting rackassembly comprising: a first side mount bracket comprising a first baseconnected to the first mounting region of the wall mount bracket, afirst support arm extending outward from the first base, and a firstreceiver connected to the first support arm; a second side mount bracketcomprising a second base connected to the second mounting region of thewall mount bracket, a second support arm extending outward from thesecond base, and a second receiver connected to the second support arm;and a bar connected to the first side mount bracket and the second sidemount bracket and extending between the first and second side mountbrackets in a direction along the lateral width of the wall mountbracket, wherein the bar is received in the first and second receiversto connect the bar to the first and second side mount brackets, whereinthe wall mount bracket is configured to suspend the weightlifting rackassembly above a ground surface, such that the weightlifting rackassembly does not engage the ground surface.
 2. The weightliftingassembly of claim 1, wherein the first support arm extends outwardly anddownwardly from the first base, and the second support arm extendsoutwardly and downwardly from the second base.
 3. The weightliftingassembly of claim 2, wherein the first support arm has a first distalend that extends below a lowermost point of the wall mount bracket, andthe second support arm has a second distal end that extends below thelowermost point of the wall mount bracket.
 4. The weightlifting assemblyof claim 3, wherein the first receiver is positioned on the first distalend of the first support arm, and the second receiver is positioned onthe second distal end of the second support arm.
 5. The weightliftingassembly of claim 2, wherein the first receiver is positioned on aninner surface of the first support arm that faces the second support armand has an opening facing the second support arm, and the secondreceiver is positioned on an inner surface of the second support armthat faces the first support arm and has an opening facing the firstsupport arm.
 6. The weightlifting assembly of claim 1, wherein the barhas a circular shape and the first and second receivers have circularopenings, and wherein the bar has a first end received in the firstreceiver and a second end received in the second receiver.
 7. Theweightlifting assembly of claim 1, wherein the first side mount bracketfurther comprises a first brace extending rearward from the firstsupport arm and engaging the wall mount bracket to support the firstsupport arm, and the second side mount bracket further comprises asecond brace extending rearward from the second support arm and engagingthe wall mount bracket to support the second support arm.
 8. Theweightlifting assembly of claim 7, wherein the first brace is fixedlyconnected to the first support arm and has a first free end abutting thewall mount bracket, and the second brace is fixedly connected to thesecond support arm and has a second free end abutting the wall mountbracket.
 9. The weightlifting assembly of claim 7, wherein the firstbase, the first support arm, and the first brace are formed of a firstsingle, integral piece, and wherein the second base, the second supportarm, and the second brace are formed of a second single, integral piece.10. The weightlifting assembly of claim 1, wherein the first base andthe first support arm are formed of a first single, integral piecehaving a first bend forming a first juncture between the first base andthe first support arm, and wherein the second base and the secondsupport arm are formed of a second single, integral piece having asecond bend forming a second juncture between the second base and thesecond support arm.
 11. A weightlifting assembly, comprising: a wallmount bracket configured for mounting to a wall surface; and aweightlifting rack assembly connected to the wall mount bracket, theweightlifting rack assembly comprising: a first side mount bracketcomprising a first base connected to the wall mount bracket at a firstlocation and a first support arm extending outward from the first base,wherein the first base and the first support arm are formed of a firstsingle, integral piece having a first bend forming a first juncturebetween the first base and the first support arm; a second side mountbracket comprising a second base connected to the wall mount bracket ata second location laterally spaced from the first location and a secondsupport arm extending outward from the second base, wherein the secondbase and the second support arm are formed of a second single, integralpiece having a second bend forming a second juncture between the secondbase and the second support arm; and a bar connected to the firstsupport arm of the first side mount bracket and connected to the secondsupport arm of the second side mount bracket and extending between thefirst and second side mount brackets in the lateral direction, whereinthe wall mount bracket is configured to suspend the weightlifting rackassembly above a ground surface, such that the weightlifting rackassembly does not engage the ground surface.
 12. The weightliftingassembly of claim 11, wherein the first side mount bracket furthercomprises a first receiver connected to the first support arm, and thesecond side mount bracket further comprises a second receiver connectedto the second support arm, and wherein the bar is received in the firstand second receivers to connect the bar to the first and second sidemount brackets.
 13. The weightlifting assembly of claim 12, wherein thefirst receiver and the second receiver are formed by separate piecesconnected to the first and second support arms, respectively.
 14. Theweightlifting assembly of claim 11, wherein the first side mount bracketfurther comprises a first brace extending rearward from the firstsupport arm and engaging the wall mount bracket to support the firstsupport arm, and the second side mount bracket further comprises asecond brace extending rearward from the second support arm and engagingthe wall mount bracket to support the second support arm.
 15. Theweightlifting assembly of claim 14, wherein the first brace is fixedlyconnected to the first support arm and has a first free end abutting thewall mount bracket, and the second brace is fixedly connected to thesecond support arm and has a second free end abutting the wall mountbracket.
 16. The weightlifting assembly of claim 14, wherein the firstbrace is further formed as part of the first single, integral piece, andwherein the second brace is further formed as part of the second single,integral piece.
 17. The weightlifting assembly of claim 11, wherein thefirst support arm extends outwardly and downwardly from the first base,and the second support arm extends outwardly and downwardly from thesecond base.
 18. The weightlifting assembly of claim 17, wherein thefirst support arm has a first distal end that extends below a lowermostpoint of the wall mount bracket, and the second support arm has a seconddistal end that extends below the lowermost point of the wall mountbracket.
 19. A weightlifting assembly, comprising: a wall mount bracketconfigured for mounting to a wall surface, the wall mount bracket beingelongated along a lateral width thereof and having a first mountingregion and a second mounting region spaced from each other along thelateral width the wall mount bracket; and a fixed weightlifting rackassembly connected to the wall mount bracket, the fixed weightliftingrack assembly comprising: a first side rack assembly comprising a firstside mount bracket connected to the first mounting region of the wallmount bracket, a first beam connected to the first side mount bracketand extending outward from the first side mount bracket in a firstdirection configured to be perpendicular to the wall surface, and afirst vertical frame member connected to the first beam and configuredto engage a ground surface, wherein the first vertical frame member isspaced outwardly from the wall mount bracket; a second side rackassembly comprising a second side mount bracket connected to the secondmounting region of the wall mount bracket, a second beam connected tothe second side mount bracket and extending outward from the second sidemount bracket in the first direction, and a second vertical frame memberconnected to the second beam and configured to engage the groundsurface, wherein the second vertical frame member is spaced outwardlyfrom the wall mount bracket; and a cross-member connected to the firstside rack assembly and the second side rack assembly and extending alongthe lateral width of the wall mount bracket between the first and secondside rack assemblies.
 20. The weightlifting assembly of claim 19,wherein the first side rack assembly further comprises a third beamconnected to the first side mount bracket and extending outward from thefirst side mount bracket in the first direction, wherein the third beamis connected to the first vertical frame member and located below thefirst beam, and the second side rack assembly further comprises a fourthbeam connected to the second side mount bracket and extending outwardfrom the second side mount bracket in the first direction, wherein thefourth beam is connected to the second vertical frame member and locatedbelow the second beam.
 21. The weightlifting assembly of claim 20,wherein the first side mount bracket has a first opening and a thirdopening spaced vertically from each other and receiving ends of thefirst and third beams, respectively, and wherein the second side mountbracket has a second opening and a fourth opening spaced vertically fromeach other and receiving ends of the second and fourth beams,respectively.
 22. The weightlifting assembly of claim 20, wherein thefirst side rack assembly further comprises a first vertical supportextending vertically between the first and third beams at a locationbetween the wall mount bracket and the first vertical frame member, andthe second side rack assembly further comprises a second verticalsupport extending vertically between the second and fourth beams at alocation between the wall mount bracket and the second vertical framemember.
 23. The weightlifting assembly of claim 20, wherein noadditional supporting structure is connected to the first vertical framemember or the second vertical frame member and configured to bepositioned between the first and second vertical frame members and thewall surface.
 24. The weightlifting assembly of claim 19, wherein thefirst side mount bracket is vertically elongated and is connected to thewall mount bracket by a plurality of first fasteners aligned verticallywith each other along the first side mount bracket, and the second sidemount bracket is vertically elongated and is connected to the wall mountbracket by a plurality of second fasteners aligned vertically with eachother along the second side mount bracket.
 25. The weightliftingassembly of claim 24, wherein the first side rack assembly furthercomprises a third beam connected to the first side mount bracket andextending outward from the first side mount bracket in the firstdirection to connect to the first vertical frame member, and the secondside rack assembly further comprises a fourth beam connected to thesecond side mount bracket and extending outward from the second sidemount bracket in the first direction to connect to the second verticalframe member, wherein the third beam is located below the first beam,wherein the first beam, the third beam, and the first plurality offasteners are all aligned vertically with each other along the firstside mount bracket, wherein the fourth beam is located below the secondbeam, and wherein the second beam, the fourth beam, and the secondplurality of fasteners are all aligned vertically with each other alongthe second side mount bracket.
 26. A weightlifting assembly, comprising:a wall mount bracket configured for mounting to a wall surface; and afixed weightlifting rack assembly connected to the wall mount bracket,the fixed weightlifting rack assembly comprising: a first side rackassembly comprising a first side mount bracket connected to the wallmount bracket, a first beam and a third beam each having a proximal endconnected to the first side mount bracket and extending outward from thefirst side mount bracket in the first direction, wherein the third beamis located below the first beam and extends parallel to the first beam,and a first vertical frame member connected to distal ends of the firstbeam and the third beam and configured to engage a ground surface,wherein the first vertical frame member is spaced outwardly from thewall mount bracket; a second side rack assembly comprising a second sidemount bracket connected to the wall mount bracket, a second beam and afourth beam each having a proximal end connected to the second sidemount bracket and extending outward from the second side mount bracketin the first direction, wherein the fourth beam is located below thesecond beam and extends parallel to the second beam, and a secondvertical frame member connected to distal ends of the second beam andthe fourth beam and configured to engage the ground surface, wherein thesecond vertical frame member is spaced outwardly from the wall mountbracket; and a cross-member connected to the first side rack assemblyand the second side rack assembly and extending laterally between thefirst and second side rack assemblies.
 27. The weightlifting assembly ofclaim 26, wherein the first side mount bracket has a first opening and athird opening spaced vertically from each other and receiving theproximal ends of the first and third beams, respectively, and whereinthe second side mount bracket has a second opening and a fourth openingspaced vertically from each other and receiving the proximal ends of thesecond and fourth beams, respectively.
 28. The weightlifting assembly ofclaim 26, wherein no additional supporting structure is connected to thefirst vertical frame member or the second vertical frame member andconfigured to be positioned between the first and second vertical framemembers and the wall surface.
 29. The weightlifting assembly of claim26, wherein the first side mount bracket is vertically elongated and isconnected to the wall mount bracket by a plurality of first fastenersaligned vertically with each other along the first side mount bracket,and the second side mount bracket is vertically elongated and isconnected to the wall mount bracket by a plurality of second fastenersaligned vertically with each other along the second side mount bracket.30. The weightlifting assembly of claim 29, wherein the first beam, thethird beam, and the first plurality of fasteners are all alignedvertically with each other along the first side mount bracket, andwherein the second beam, the fourth beam, and the second plurality offasteners are all aligned vertically with each other along the secondside mount bracket.